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The choreographer and teacher José Antonio Chávez Guettón, National Dance Award 2023, passed away this Sunday in Ciego de Ávila due to a pulmonary thromboembolism, as confirmed by the National Council of Performing Arts.
Before, Kenny Ortigas Guerrero, director of the Provincial Cultural Sector in Camagüey, wrote on Facebook: “A broken heart! Cuban Dance is in mourning (…) our National Dance Award 2023, José Antonio Chávez Guettón, has passed away today. Fly high, Chávez, the pain is immense.”
Ortigas announced that details of the posthumous tribute will be provided soon, although on social media, reports began to circulate suggesting that the creator may have passed away due to "one of the viruses" currently affecting the country.
However, the National Council of the Performing Arts stated in the official statement that he died due to a pulmonary embolism.
A pillar of Cuban dance
Born in Holguín and artistically trained in Camagüey, Chávez Guettón developed a career spanning more than four decades with the Ballet de Camagüey, where he created works of great dramatic intensity such as Ofelia and highly lyrical pieces like Vivaldiana, among many others.
He belonged to an exceptional generation of choreographers alongside Francisco Lam and Lázaro Martínez, who maintained a solid and distinctive repertoire within the Camagüey company.
Additionally, he was a constant collaborator with performing arts groups throughout Cuba: he helped establish the Holguín Chamber Ballet and the Santiago de Cuba Ballet, and worked with Codanza, Danza Libre, Babul Folkloric Ballet, Danza Fragmentada, among other companies.
His charismatic presence and sense of humor created memorable moments, such as his portrayal of Mamá Simone in La fille mal gardée, a character he embodied for years with his unmistakable comedic touch.
Master, trainer, and essential figure
Assistant professor at the University of the Arts in Camagüey since 1995, he taught courses such as History of Dance, Choreographic Composition, and Repertoire. He was a mentor to generations of dancers, who remember his rigor, creativity, and keen irony in the classroom.
Just a few weeks ago, Camagüey celebrated its 80th anniversary with a grand tribute that included the screening of the documentary "Chávez en cuerpo y alma" and a concert program featuring emblematic works from its catalog.
An irreparable loss
With her passing, Cuban dance loses one of its most enduring, influential, and beloved figures. The Ministry of Culture and the National Council of Scenic Arts expressed their condolences to family, friends, and the artistic community.
Upcoming announcements will provide details about the funeral services, which will take place in the city of Camagüey.
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